Bad News, indeed
’80s wrestling superstar Bad News Brown, a.k.a. Allen Coage, has died of a heart attack, aged 63. Bad News was renowned as a legitimate tough guy, a former Olympic bronze medalist in judo. Competitors were often genuinely afraid to work a match with him, and it’s been strongly rumored that Hulk Hogan refused to do any kind of long-term angle with him, though they did face each other at least once on TV, with Hogan ending Bad News’ “undefeated” streak. I remember being really disappointed, having hoped that the streak would continue and Hulk would be humbled.
After the WWF, I saw some matches he did in Japan for shoot promotions. In a way he was a bit ahead of his time — had he been 20 years younger, I suspect he would have thrived in the UFC, and enjoyed it more than WWE.
The master of the “ghetto blaster” ended his days as a mall security guard. His first-ever action figure was just released in the WWE Classics line by Jakks Pacific.
For more on Bad News, visit his official website.
Edwin A. Santos:
March 6th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Sure, a lot of professional wrestlers leaving us this year…
David N. Scott:
March 6th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
I remember the name, and the GHetto Blaster. Can’t think of any specific accomplishments or anything. Sad with all these early deaths… Guess it’s the steroids…
LYT:
March 6th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
I don’t think anyone ever accused Bad News of being on ‘roids. If he was, they didn’t work.